Justin B. Terry-Smith has been involved in Gay and HIV Activism since 1999. He is a Air Force 9/11 Disabled Vet. Raised in Silver Spring, MD, he now lives in Severn, MD with his husband Phil. He writes an HIV/STI Advice Column for A&U Magazine and is a Contributing writer for thebody.com. He earned an AA in Communications, a BA in Political Science, Masters and Doctorate in Public Health with a concentration in Infectious Disease.

Justin's HIV Journal

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Okay, now there are many sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) that we have to be conscious of and herpes is no exception to that rule.
As most of you know I tend to put a little humor in my columns so bear with
me…or not; it’s going to happen anyway. So, I’m just going to go right into to
it. Here are my top 7 things about the gift that keeps on giving that you need
to understand:

An HIV diagnosis changes your life. Even so, these HIV blogs
can help you keep an upbeat mindset. While there’s no cure for HIV, treatment
can extend your life and possibly delay the onset of AIDS. You may have ups and
down, but it’s possible to live a relatively healthy life. The key is taking
care of yourself and educating yourself.

Talking with your doctor, family, and friends can provide
emotional support. It also helps to seek support from those who empathize with
your situation, like these blogs below.

The Body: HIV/AIDS Blog Central

The Body is a comprehensive resource for HIV. You’ll find a
variety of articles about treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and living with the
virus. The blog also features a variety of personal stories about healthcare
issues, imprisonment, and advocacy. The Body also encourages patients to
continue in their fight.

Tweet them @TheBodyDotCom

POZ

Staying up-to-date on new developments in the HIV world is a
key component to managing your health. This blog offers information on upcoming
HIV events, statistics, news, and trends. They also offer health management
tips, like the effects of drinking alcohol when you have HIV.

Tweet them @pozmagazine

Justin’s HIV Journal

Justin B. Terry-Smith

Justin B. Terry-Smith isn't afraid to open up about his
diagnosis of HIV. He uses his blog as a platform to educate others on the
importance of safe sex with the hope of helping at least one person. His words
are honest and informative. Despite his diagnosis, he's committed to
celebrating life.

Tweet him @JustinBSmith79

My Journey with

Kenn Chaplin received an HIV diagnosis in 1989. Despite some
serious setbacks with his health, he enjoys sharing experiences related to his
health, family, and personal life. His openness and positive attitude can
empower and give strength to readers who are in similar situations.

Living in the Bonus Round

Steve Schalchlin received an HIV diagnosis in 1996. As a way
to cope with his diagnosis, he started journaling about his health and writing
healing songs. Read about his experiences rehearsing for shows, his thoughts on
the current state of the political scene, and about the people and musicians
who inspire him.

AIDS.gov Blog

The blog operated by AIDS.gov provides a wealth of material
and resources. Whether you're searching for information on AIDS research,
global news, or trending topics, it’s here. Read about an HIV program for
improving long-term care for youths or make a mental note of HIV Vaccine
Awareness Day and learn more about antiretroviral therapies.

Tweet them @AIDSgov

I’m Still Josh

Josh Robbins received an HIV diagnosis in 2012. Although
receiving a diagnosis can be upsetting, his optimism is contagious. He doesn't
think of HIV as a death sentence, nor does he allow the disease to define him.
Josh encourages other people living with HIV to live in the moment. His blog
features HIV news stories and words of encouragement to uplift readers.

Tweet him @imstilljosh

My Fabulous Disease

Mark S. King has lived with HIV since 1985. After receiving
his diagnosis, he became an advocate for others living with HIV. His blog is a
tool for bringing awareness and inspiring others. In recent posts, Mark
highlights the top HIV advocates to watch in 2017 and brings attention to a
film unmasking the fear behind HIV criminalization.

Tweet him @MyFabDisease

NEJM Journal Watch

Dr. Paul E. Sax is the clinical director of the HIV Program
and Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
He has a strong interest in HIV research. His blog offers a series of
informative posts related to treatment, management, and clinical trials. He
shares the latest HIV research and news stories as well as experiences from his
personal life.

More Than HIV

Brian Ledford acknowledges how receiving his diagnosis in
2010 changed his life. He started blogging to share his story and experiences
and motivates others to live life. His posts reveal his personal struggles and
give attention to others living with the virus.

Tweet him @MoreThanHIV

HIV/AIDS Advice by Verywell

This blog is an excellent resource for finding satisfying
answers to questions about symptoms, treatments, and associated conditions.
You'll find interesting articles like what to do if you have HIV and diarrhea
as well as information on eye problems associated with HIV.

A Girl Like Me

If you're a woman living with HIV, this blog by The Well
Project is a wonderful resource. Read personal stories of other people living
with the same questions, challenges, and daily experiences, from healthcare
issues to dealing with uninformed comments. Share your story and find
inspiration and motivation from the multitude of perspectives represented here.

Tweet them @thewellproject

HIV Negative Spouses

HIV can affect an entire family, even if only one person
actually lives with the virus. This blog puts the spotlight on HIV-negative
people who have HIV-positive partners. Read about their low points or check out
their experiences with PrEP, an anti-HIV medication.

HIV and Hepatitis

This blog covers a host of topics pertaining to HIV and
AIDS. Here, you’ll find information on the latest developments in research,
treatment, and management, as well as advice on common concerns among people
affected by HIV, such as using PrEP.

Tweet them @HIVandHepatitis

Positive Lite

This blog was founded by Brian Finch, who’s been
HIV-positive for over 25 years. As an informational source for issues and
topics related to the virus, the blog offers a wealth of lifestyle pieces, news
stories, health advice, and general tips for living with HIV. It’s an excellent
place to increase your knowledge and receive support.

Tweet them @PositiveLiteCom

BETA Blog

This blog is dedicated to providing education and helping
readers gain a better understanding of HIV treatment and management. Read
HIV-related articles written by individuals knowledgeable in the field. The
blog’s contributors include researchers, advocates, and health professionals.

NAM aidsmap

Knowledge is crucial for those living with HIV. This blog
has no short supply of educational material and news stories, like one article
on how people with HIV can have impaired respiratory health even when viral
load is undetectable. Learn about HIV basics like symptoms and life expectancy
or take advantage of their resources that include fact sheets, apps, and
booklets.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Hey everyone, it's Justin from Justin's HIV Journal. June is AIDS Education Month and I have some great news. Philadelphia FIGHT, an ASO has asked me to join a panel for Philadelphia’s AIDS Education Month Summit on 6/7/2017 in the morning at the PA Convention Center. The panel discussion will be around the subject matter of HIV in the media/news. Right now, this is a hot topic and I will explain using parts of the e-mail that was sent to me by Philadelphia FIGHT.

“In this era of the twenty-four-hour news cycle, media outlets are always looking for new story ideas, and there are some great examples out there of important, in-depth and well-researched HIV news coverage, but as we know, today the coverage of HIV news can be sparse, and sometimes sensationalized (i.e. some of the coverage of the Charlie Sheen story revealing he is HIV-positive). Our panel of media experts will share some examples of positive coverage and some inspiring stories about the HIV epidemic, as well as provide valuable tips and guidance on how to get your story told, and how to advocate for more of the types of stories you'd like to see.”

Panel discussions like these are really important because they start a dialog about HIV media can help and hinder our efforts to get to 0 infections. I will also answer questions from the audience as well. Panelist will consist of CBS-3 reporter & reported for KYW Radio Cherri Gregg, STI/HIV author, advice columnist and activist Justin B Terry-Smith, and CEO of Techbook Online & co-host of “Pushback” a social-justice podcast, Christopher “Flood The Drummer” Norris and moderator Chip Alfred Director of Development and Communications Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers. Please check the flyer above for information and bios of the panelist and moderator. (10:30 - noon is the approximate time slot).

Justin B Terry-Smith

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About Justin B Terry-Smith

My name is Justin B Terry-Smith, I'm a Black Gay man living in Laurel, Maryland and I am HIV+. I've decided to share my story because I feel it's important that people who have unprotected sex know what they might be getting themselves into. People have asked me why I am doing this, why have I put my personal business out like this. I tell them it is to help educate people, to make them aware and to make them think twice about having unprotected sex. This is my personal journey that needs to be told to help the community.
HIV is neither glamorous or a rite of passage. Watch the Journal and think twice.
In the words of Pedro Zamora, "I'm not dying. I'm living with it"